Questions About Foxglove Plants

Do Foxglove only bloom one time? After blooming, do I need to cut the stem off? Also, is it the same with Lupine? Thanks so much for the reply!

Answered by Heather on July 25, 2012Certified Expert

A.

Foxgloves are biennials. The first year after they germinate, they do not flower. The second year, they flower and produce seeds, then they die. Because of this, it is best to leave the flowers on so that they can reseed themselves and you can continue to enjoy them.

Lupines are technically perennials, but they have a short lifespan of only a few years. You can remove the flowers if you want, but you may want to leave a few intact to reseed the plant when it inevitably dies.

I have a group of foxgloves that are looking a little grizzly and battered after this cold winter. I’ve started cleaning out the beds today. Could you give me any advice on maintaining these better? This is the second year of growing; they are due to bloom. Thanks!

I have a foxglove growing with the flowers pointing upwards. Why? We have always had lots of foxgloves in the garden which self-seed every year. This year one had grown with the individual flower cups hanging upwards instead of downwards. I wondered why and if this was unusual.

Answered by Downtoearthdigs on June 15, 2015Certified Expert

A.

Digitalis purpurea 'Candy Mountain' has beautiful purple flowers that face up, not down!
Very pretty specimen in your garden.
Here is a link about Foxgloves.

Recently I planted a foxglove in my garden in partial shade. I live in Pennsylvania, so the summer is very hot with moderate rainfall. The plant’s leaves are turning yellow, and I can’t determine why. I have not fertilized the foxglove, but everything else around it seems ok. Any ideas?

Answered by Downtoearthdigs on July 3, 2015Certified Expert

A.

Yellowing leaves on plants generally occur when there are watering issues.
Either to much or to little.
A newly planted perennial needs daily water, and even twice daily if temperatures are above 85 degrees.

Make sure you water around the plant crown. Don't water directly into the plant center, this can cause the plant to rot.
Well draining soil is very important.

Here is a link with care information for your foxglove (one of my favorites!)

I have one Foxglove in Northern Kentucky, I watered it a lot, and now the stems are bent and feel waterlogged. Is there such a thing as overwatering a Foxglove?

Answered by Nikki on August 6, 2015Certified Expert

A.

Yes, you can over water foxgloves, just as you can other plants. While they like to be kept moist, they should not be waterlogged. Allow the soil to dry somewhat before adding more water. If the plant is currently suffering from too much moisture, definitely let it dry some. It should perk up on its own.

It’s in a huge pot on my patio but showing no signs of life yet here in central NC. Should I give up on it?

Kevin

Answered by kh0001 on April 29, 2016

A.

Keep in mind Foxglove doesn't start blooming till June, so it may simply be slow starting this year, especially if your temperatures have been colder than normal. There should also be plenty of space around it (at least 6" around the base of the plant) and good drainage.

Make sure it's getting the right amount of water, and here is an article that may help you continue to care for it: